Ethnocentrism

The term ethnocentrism comes from the Greek word ethnos „people“. The people moves to the center as a doctrine, ideology, or intellectual current.

An interdisciplinary term

In the meantime, ethnocentrism has become a common term that finds interdisciplinary application. Thus, it is present as a term in psychology, social science, and political science. Ethnocentrism is understood as the bias of an individual towards culturally foreign people and groups. The person looks through the glasses of his own culture (‚own group‘), makes it the standard and interprets on this basis the respective other culture (‚foreign group‘). This leads to an unreflected transfer of attitudes from one’s own culture. Along with this, normative tendencies can be observed: People consider their own culture and religion to be good, moral and virtuous. Outside groups, on the other hand, are seen as bad, immoral and threatening.

Prejudices and stereotypes

Thus, stereotypes and prejudices also play a role, which, if not reconsidered, can become the basis for racist or nationalist behavior: „Ethnocentrism goes beyond mere xenophobia in that the foreign is not only seen as foreign and therefore frightening, but above all as `inferior‘ due to an exaggerated sense of we“ (Wahle 2017, 231).

The definitional counter-concept of ethnocentrism is polycentrism, which advocates an open and tolerant attitude toward people of other cultures, lifestyles, and views. Uniqueness and independence of other cultures are respected and own cultural values and attitudes are critically reflected in the process.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism refers to the tendency of a group to view its own culture, traditions, values, and norms as superior and „right“ compared to other cultures and groups. Ethnocentrism can lead people to view other cultures as „foreign,“ „exotic,“ or „inferior“ and to devalue or discriminate against them. Ethnocentrism can also lead to prejudice, stereotyping, and conflict between different groups. It is important to note that ethnocentrism is not only based on ethnicity, but can also be based on other identity characteristics such as religion, language, gender, or sexual orientation.

Ethnocentrism is a mindset in which one’s culture, religion, or nation is seen as authoritative in evaluating and interpreting the world. It involves not only valuing one’s own culture but also disdaining or rejecting other cultures. Ethnocentric people tend to view their own cultural heritage as the only legitimate basis for values and norms, and evaluate other cultures accordingly. This can lead to a distorted and negative perception of other cultures.

Ethnocentrism can manifest itself on a variety of levels. At the individual level, ethnocentrism can lead to prejudice and discrimination, such as when a person is rejected or discriminated against because of his or her cultural background. At the societal level, ethnocentrism can lead to social inequality and racism. It can also help fuel conflict between different cultures or nations.

It is important to emphasize that ethnocentrism is not a universal human trait, but a cultural construct that may vary across cultures. Cultural diversity and interculturality are important elements for an open and tolerant society that promotes respect and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.

Literature

Ahlheim, Klaus (2013): Right-wing extremism, ethnocentrism, political education. Critical contributions to educational science, vol. 8. Hannover: Offizin.

Hagedorn, Jörg et al. (eds.) (2010): Ethnicity, gender, family, and school: heterogeneity as an educational challenge. Wiesbaden: VS.

Sumner, William Graham (2007): Folkways. A Study of Mores, Manners, Customs and Morals. Reprint Cosimo Classics. New York: Dover Publications.

Wahle, Stefan (2017): Experiences of strangeness and helper fantasies under the influence of ethnocentrism. 2nd ed. Norderstedt: Books on Demand.